Tuesday (Nisan 12): Watch, Wait, and Obey the King

Bible Text: Matthew 24:32-35

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

Additional Readings: Psalm 119:89, Isaiah 40:8, 1 Peter 1:23-25

Devotional:It’s Tuesday, three days before the crucifixion, and Jesus is taking time to teach His disciples. Jesus shows us the importance of discipleship and reveals that He is not downtrodden over the fact that in three days His earthly body was going to die. Instead He was urging His beloved disciples to watch and wait eagerly for His return. In Matthew 24 Jesus uses the lesson of the withered fig tree to explain His second coming. He says “as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near,” so when the signs of the tribulation occur you know that Christ is near. The compassion of the Lord is evident in the fact that He didn't leave his disciples without instruction for the future. He gave them hope. Hope that He knew they would need when He was no longer on earth to instruct them.

But not only did Jesus offer His guys hope, but He also declared His authority. Verse 35 states, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Jesus declared to His disciples that He was Sovereign and His Word would never pass away. His Word is our ultimate authority and should be read, followed, and obeyed. How encouraging that in a moment where Jesus knew it would seem desperate and hopeless for his disciples at the time of His crucifixion, He reassured them that He would prevail and His Word was their ultimate authority.

Just like John declared in Revelation 22, “Come Lord Jesus!”, let us eagerly await the return of Christ. As exiles looking forward to a better Kingdom, we can have hope that whatever God says will come to fruition. His Word never fails; His promises are always upheld! Also, let us imitate Christ, who instead of reveling in His imminent death, saw the greater picture of God’s kingdom, and He poured into the men that would soon be caring the gospel across the globe. May our churches and families do the same - willing and passionate to pour into others and make disciples.

So beloved child of God, watch, wait, and obey the King!

Questions: Jesus poured into His disciples, how are you doing investing into those God has placed in your life?

How can we eagerly wait for the Lord?

What are some ways we can encourage each other as we wait?

Pray Together:Heavenly Father, we are thankful that a simple lesson about a fig tree can show us something so great about your Kingdom! We long for the day when Christ returns for His church. We base that truth not upon myth or tradition, rather our hope is in your unchanging, never failing Word! We praise our good Father who is above all rulers, authorities, and powers. We exalt your name and trust in your Word - knowing that it is our ultimate authority. Help us sharpen and disciple one another as we look forward to our coming King. Amen.